Five people were arrested in Norway, while searches were carried out at businesses and residences in Germany and Romania, as part of an international investigation into fraud and bribery linked to service contracts for vessels participating in NATO missions. According to a statement from Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, the arrests and searches took place on Wednesday (14/10) and involve a company and its associated subcontractors, who allegedly submitted fraudulent or misleading invoices for ship and crew support services while vessels were docked at ports in northwestern Europe.
NATO scandal: Officials allegedly bribed through intermediary
The services in question involved onshore work and activities that were contractually stipulated for the servicing of ships and their personnel. According to Eurojust estimates, the financial damage suffered by NATO member states amounts to approximately one million euros, though the full extent of the alleged fraud has not yet been determined.
The company at the center of the investigation is also accused of using an intermediary to bribe public officials, with the aim of securing preferential treatment from NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
The NSPA’s mission is to assist the Alliance’s 32 member states, as well as partner countries, in procuring defense equipment, security systems, and other support services. NATO, as an organization, does not own ships, tanks, or weapons systems of its own, as military equipment belongs to its individual member states.
Searches carried out in Romania and Germany
Eurojust did not disclose the identity of the company at the center of the case. However, according to its statement, authorities conducted searches at the company’s facilities in Romania, as well as at several private residences.
In Germany, searches focused on two businesses and one residence, as part of efforts by the competent authorities to gather evidence relating to the suspected financial transactions and the alleged bribery.
The total amount of financial damage remains under investigation, while no further details have been made public regarding the identities of those arrested or the officials allegedly involved in the case.
